orbit 1 of 2

noun

Definition of orbitnext
as in loop

Synonyms & Similar Words

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orbit

2 of 2

verb

as in to circle
to travel completely around the moon orbits the Earth

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun orbit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of orbit are compass, gamut, range, scope, and sweep. While all these words mean "the extent that lies within the powers of something (as to cover or control)," orbit suggests an often circumscribed range of activity or influence within which forces work toward accommodation.

within that restricted orbit they tried to effect social change

When might compass be a better fit than orbit?

In some situations, the words compass and orbit are roughly equivalent. However, compass implies a sometimes limited extent of perception, knowledge, or activity.

your concerns lie beyond the narrow compass of this study

Where would gamut be a reasonable alternative to orbit?

The words gamut and orbit can be used in similar contexts, but gamut suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another.

a performance that ran the gamut of emotions

When can range be used instead of orbit?

The words range and orbit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, range is a general term indicating the extent of one's perception or the extent of powers, capacities, or possibilities.

the entire range of human experience

In what contexts can scope take the place of orbit?

Although the words scope and orbit have much in common, scope is applicable to an area of activity, predetermined and limited, but somewhat flexible.

as time went on, the scope of the investigation widened

When would sweep be a good substitute for orbit?

The meanings of sweep and orbit largely overlap; however, sweep suggests extent, often circular or arc-shaped, of motion or activity.

the book covers the entire sweep of criminal activity

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of orbit
Noun
While Ted was the focus, viewers met the people in his orbit, the good, the bad, and a lot of the grey area, where most of us linger. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 19 May 2025 Soon after formation the giant worlds began to migrate, moving inward toward the Sun or outward away from the Sun, before finally settling into their final orbits. —Lucas Brefka, The Conversation, 19 May 2025
Verb
And of course, neither ground stations nor GPS would work for gauging the speed of spacecraft orbiting other planets. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 10 May 2025 The painter was orbiting her, asking her thoughts on the conversation, nodding toward her with his body. —Aisha Sabatini Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for orbit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orbit
  1. loop
  2. circle
  3. circuit
  4. traverse
  5. trajectory
  6. path
  7. route
Noun
  • The NFTs can be accessed on a mobile device and users can watch them on a loop.
    — Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
  • Those looking for more mileage and elevation can continue on a 15-mile loop to the spectacular Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall that plunges 365 feet down sheer cliffs.
    — AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 23 May 2025
Definition of loop
Verb
  • Right Now And don’t skip a walk around the city walls—a 1.2-mile stretch circling the Old Town.
    — Jenn Rice, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Union demonstrators demanding passage of the bill greeted lawmakers outside the Capitol in the morning, circling a corner of the parking lot used by the governor and top legislative leaders.
    — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2025
Definition of circle
Noun
  • Known on the international festival circuit for his epically minimalist features with bladder-busting running times, his movies are challenging, high-art dramas made for a very select few — the opposite of the flashy, ADHD-friendly content found on streamers.
    — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
  • Photo : Riva Yachts Charles Leclerc, ‘Monza’ Named after the world-famous Monza racing circuit—itself known as the Temple of Speed—Charles Leclerc’s 48 Dolceriva is an homage to style and pace.
    — Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 24 May 2025
Definition of circuit
Verb
  • The trail traverses parks, woodlands, pastures, and cemeteries.
    — Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
  • The 190-mile trail traverses three national parks and is one of the most popular long-distance hikes in England.
    — Mike Nolan, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
Definition of traverse
Noun
  • That transformation laid the foundation for Logitech’s current trajectory, but as competition intensifies and user expectations evolve, the company must once again prove its ability to stay ahead of the curve, as do all other players in the market.
    — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • The nonprofit organization remains confident about its revenue trajectory after hiring new CEO Reynold Hoover last summer.
    — Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 22 May 2025
Definition of trajectory
Noun
  • The path to infection The most common way people swimming inland get sick is by swallowing the water.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 23 May 2025
  • The Chinese government has put its economy on a path to capturing 45 percent of global manufacturing by 2030, up from just 6 percent in 2000, the U.N. projects; a move that will make China richer and therefore stronger.
    — John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Definition of path
Noun
  • And earlier this week, Italy enacted a law that removes the route to citizenship through great-grandparents.
    — Olesya Dmitracova, CNN Money, 23 May 2025
  • The bus route that passed through it never returned.
    — Meg Anderson, NPR, 23 May 2025
Definition of route

Browse Nearby Words

orb
orbit
orbited
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Cite this Entry

“Orbit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orbit. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on orbit

Nglish: Translation of orbit for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about orbit

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